The
incident occurred at the Bajare Camp in the Idanre LGA of Ondo State. Witnesses
told PUNCH’s correspondent that the thugs attacked Beatrice on the instruction
of a middle-aged woman, identified simply as Toyin, following a disagreement
between the women.

One
of the witnesses said the disagreement between Toyin and Beatrice led to a
free-for-all. He added that Toyin left the scene and came back with some thugs
who she allegedly ordered to beat up Beatrice. He said, “During the scuffle,
the baby boy, who was strapped to his mother’s back was smashed against the
floor by one of the thugs, leading to his death.”

It
was gathered that the thugs immediately fled the area, while the toddler was
rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Wole Ogodo, explained that
the mother of the baby reported the matter at the police station, saying the
suspect and her thugs had been arrested.

Ogodo
said investigation had commenced into the matter, adding that the suspects
would be charged to court as soon as the police finished their probe. He said,
“People, who are having issues with one another should always cultivate the
habit of reporting the case to the appropriate quarters for onward action
rather than taking the law into their own hands.”

It
was gathered that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Alade
Idanre General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.